Free “Make-A-Splash” classes teach kids about water safety

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 10, 2015) – Free water safety classes will be taking place at pools around the city Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The “Make-A-Splash” program offers families a chance to be prepared for days spent in the water during the summer months.

Indy Parks is partnering with the USA Swimming Foundation to host the safety presentations at 18 pools. Families are asked to arrive ten minutes before the pools open in order to participate in the program.

While the “Make-A-Splash” sessions are not swimming lessons, they provide children with essential skills to stay out of danger.Drowning is the 9th leading cause of death in children age 14 and under. Indianapolis authorities recently emphasized the importance of educating kids about what to do around pools. Just last month, a 12-year-old drowned in a northeast side apartment complex pool. He did not know how to swim. Later that week, a 22-year-old drowned at Morse Reservoir.

“Some of the drownings we’ve had over last few weeks have involved open water,” said Indy Parks Sr. Communications manager Maureen Faul. “Indy Parks has mostly pools but we also have Eagle Creek Reservoir, which is open water situation for swimming. You want your child to know how to swim and to be a competent, strong swimmer.”

Registration is not required for the Make-A-Splash sessions. Trained lifeguard staff will lead each class. Those who attend will be able to stay at the pool for the rest of the afternoon for free.